President Tietz Celebration

William Tietz and the significance of his 13-year term as president of Montana State University will be the topic of a symposium set for 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, during MSU's 2013 homecoming weekend.

Tietz, a number of his colleagues, as well as former state higher education administrators, will participate in "A University Comes of Age: Reflections on the Tietz Years 1977-1990." Moderated by Pierce C. Mullen, MSU history professor emeritus, the event will be held in the Thayer Conference Room, room 108 of the MSU Plant Biosciences Building.

Joining Tietz and Mullen will be: Jeff Morrison, Helena, chairman of the Montana University System Board of Regents 1980-1986; Jim Ness, Bozeman, former MSU assistant director of administration and CFO of the MSU Foundation, retired; John Jutila, Bozeman, MSU vice president for research from 1977-90; Robert Swenson, Bozeman, retired faculty member and MSU vice president for research, 1990-98; and Hayden Ferguson, Bozeman, professor of agriculture emeritus.

A reception following the symposium will be held in the Mathre Courtyard of the Plant Biosciences Building.

The symposium will be preceded by a plaque dedication ceremony at 2:15 p.m. on the lawn between Haynes Hall and the Plant Growth Center.

"We look forward to saluting Bill Tietz and his work that ushered Montana State University into its modern era," said MSU President Waded Cruzado. "We look forward to a lively and informative event as we celebrate President Tietz, discuss his transformative leadership and look at the university as it was then and as it is now."

Tietz became MSU's ninth president on Aug. 1, 1977. A native of Illinois, Tietz earned a bachelor's degree from Swarthmore College, a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin and a doctor in veterinary medicine degree from Colorado State University. He also earned a doctorate in physiology and pathology from Purdue University. Prior to coming to MSU, he served as vice president for Student and University Relations before becoming dean of CSU's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. During his tenure at Montana State, Tietz was credited with supporting the development of undergraduate core curriculum as well as expanding international studies, re-activating the university honors program and supporting educational opportunities for Native Americans. He emphasized research and creative activities, raised salaries and launched the university's tech park. Among the programs supported and in some cases expanded in the Tietz years were Shakespeare in the Parks, KUSM, MSU's Office of Academic Affairs and the MSU Alumni Association.